Illini guard Deron Williams was standing alone atop a pillar on Saturday afternoon. Williams, who had been struggling with shooting woes for most of the season, broke out and lifted the Illini. In front of former coaching legends and All-Americans, Williams went 7-10 from the field and 4-5 from three, while continuing to dominate the game in less noticed ways – he had six assists, five rebounds and two steals.

“We wanted to come out and put on a show,” Williams said.

Williams added that he has put in extra time shooting in practice, and because of that he has been able to shoot with extra confidence.

“We’ve talked about it; shooting is very much mental,” head coach Bruce Weber said. “This was certainly his best shooting night of the year.”

Nick Smith Battles

Illinois’ 7’2” center’s stat line included zero points and only four rebounds. But more important than Nick Smith chipping into the point column is that the Illinois senior center is starting to realize there is more to his game. Smith has taken his role in stride and has developed into more of a team player. While the stat line does not show his influence, the image of lanky Smith battling Minnesota’s massive lumberjack center Jeff Hagan is what will carry over.

Smith is known for his temper almost as well as for his height, and when things weren’t going right against Wisconsin, he did not sulk on the bench but instead put his head in the huddle and inspired the rest of the team to keep fighting. He has become more than the tallest sharp-shooter in Illinois history and is finding his role as a senior.

89 for ’89

Saturday afternoon the Illini wore the ’89 throwback jerseys, and coincidentally scored 89 points. After the Illini finished warm-ups and peeled off their shooting shirts, the jerseys received a warm ovation from the crowd. Wearing the famed jerseys also brought awe from the current Illini, who will be fighting with the athletic administration over the rights to take them home.

“We beat their win streak but we havn’t gotten to a Final Four like they have,” Williams said. Williams added that he hopes he can pin his jersey up on his wall.